A Romford student recently received national recognition from the Royal Society of Chemistry, at an awards ceremony in London.

Yulanda Forte, 34, who completed an Access to Science course at Barking & Dagenham College in July 2015, is among 25 of the UK’s top-performing students on a dual scheme that grants the Access to Higher Education Science Diploma along with the Registered Scientist Technician Award (RSciTech).

BSc in Orthoptics

Yulanda, who worked with Queen’s Hospital in Romford on her project, which she presented to a panel of judges at the Royal Society of Chemistry to secure her award, said,

“My research was into a condition called amblyopia which occurs in children. It is where two eyes are not working together and it’s commonly known as a squint or lazy eye, but it can be corrected with treatment. I am really interested in clinical eye care and I am now studying for a BSc in Orthoptics at Glasgow Caledonian University.

"When I graduate I’ll be part of a hospital team and I am very interested in working abroad in countries where eye care for children is limited but where early intervention can make all the difference.”

Sir John calls for more skilled technicians

Recognising the students’ achievements, Sir John Holman, Royal Society of Chemistry President elect, said:

“The UK science sector needs more skilled technicians. At the Royal Society of Chemistry, we are committed to helping close this skills gap, by supporting vocational routes into science, and connecting education and employers.

“The Access to Higher Education Diploma and RSciTech scheme is a great example of this. I congratulate all the students on the dedication they have shown in their industry projects, and the investment they have made in their futures through gaining RSciTech status."

Jean Scrase, of the Gatsby Foundation, which funds individuals to be assessed for RSciTech and also pays their professional body membership fees, said:

“Not only has the experience of being involved in this pilot prepared the students for science courses in Higher Education, but it has also brought the added benefit of helping them gain professional Registered Science Technician status (RSciTech) through the Royal Society of Chemistry – formal professional recognition that they can rightly be proud of.

“Personally, to be assessing the projects the students have carried out on behalf of local employers’ has been a great experience. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see first-hand how they have added capacity to local businesses, whilst also gaining valuable practical technical skills and knowledge.”